The Digital Revolt: How Gen Z is Leading a Wave of Protest Across South Asia
U.H. Hyder Ali
A new political force is shaking the foundations of South Asia. Armed not with weapons, but with smartphones, social media savvy, and a deep-seated demand for change, Generation Z is leading a unprecedented wave of youth-led uprisings. This movement, which began on the streets of Colombo, has now become a regional phenomenon, echoing through Dhaka and reverberating in the valleys of Kathmandu.
This isn’t a coordinated campaign but a contagious spirit of defiance. From economic collapse to political repression and systemic corruption, the triggers vary, but the actors are the same: a generation of digitally-native, globally-connected young people who are no longer willing to accept the status quo.
The Spark: Sri Lanka’s #GoHomeGota Movement
It started in Sri Lanka. What began in early 2022 as quiet grumbling over prolonged power cuts and soaring inflation exploded into a full-blown, leaderless revolution.
· The Trigger: An unprecedented economic collapse. The country ran out of foreign currency, leading to crippling shortages of fuel, medicine, and food. For a generation with aspirations, this was a death knell to their futures.
· The Movement: Dubbed the #Aragalaya (Struggle) or #GoHomeGota movement, it was a masterclass in digital-age protest. Organised primarily on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, thousands gathered at Colombo’s Galle Face Green, transforming it into a protest village named “GotaGoGama.”
· Gen Z’s Role: They were the movement’s engine. They used viral memes to counter state propaganda, live-streamed protests to ensure safety and transparency, and organised supply chains for protesters via WhatsApp. Their demand was simple yet revolutionary: the entire political class, embodied by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his powerful family, must go.
· The Outcome: The result was historic. In July 2022, President Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned from abroad—a first for Sri Lanka. It was a stunning victory, proving that people power, amplified by technology, could topple a once-invincible regime. This success became a blueprint for the region.
The Echo: Bangladesh’s #StudentLivesMatter Protests
Inspired by their neighbours and fueled by their own grievances, Bangladesh’s youth rose up in the summer of 2024 and again in 2025.
· The Trigger: The immediate spark was a new quota system for government jobs, which reserved over half of all posts for specific groups, leaving meritorious students fighting for a tiny fraction of positions. This was the final straw for a generation facing extreme unemployment, rising costs, and an autocratic government.
· The Movement: University students across the country launched massive demonstrations under the banner #StudentLivesMatter and #ReformTheQuotaSystem. The protests were overwhelmingly peaceful and led by students, with young women at the forefront.
· Gen Z’s Role: They documented everything. When police crackdowns turned violent, students used their phones to broadcast the brutality to the world, bypassing censored traditional media. They used TikTok to explain the complex quota issue in simple terms and Instagram reels to coordinate sit-ins. Their fight was not just against a policy, but for a merit-based future.
· The Outcome: The government, initially dismissive, was forced to relent. The High Court suspended the quota system, a major concession. However, the state response has also been harsh, with internet shutdowns, mass arrests, and violent clashes. The movement demonstrated a fierce new resistance to the ruling establishment and its crackdowns.
The Latest Front: Nepal’s #NoToCCC Protests
The flame of dissent then leaped to the Himalayas. In Nepal, a proposed new law triggered a massive youth mobilization in 2025.
· The Trigger: The government’s attempt to table the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), seen by many as discriminatory and against the secular spirit of the constitution. Critics argued it would deny citizenship to children of Nepali women married to foreign men while making it easier for men in the same situation. This, coupled with broader anger against corruption and political instability, ignited the fire.
· The Movement: Thousands of students, activists, and young professionals flooded the streets of Kathmandu and other cities. The hashtag #NoToCAB trended nationally. The protests were marked by a strong emphasis on inclusivity and constitutional rights.
· Gen Z’s Role: Mirroring the Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi playbook, Nepali youth used social media to organise, debunk misinformation, and maintain momentum. They created infographics, hosted Twitter Spaces to discuss the bill’s implications, and used viral challenges to spread awareness. Their message was clear: they are defending a modern, equitable Nepal.
· The Outcome: Facing relentless pressure, the government was forced to withdraw the controversial bill from Parliament, a significant victory for the protesters. The movement remains active, vigilant against any further attempts to introduce what they see as regressive laws.
A Connected Uprising
While each movement is uniquely rooted in its national context, the common threads are undeniable:
· Digital Native Leadership: Organization happens on encrypted apps; awareness is spread through viral content.
· Leaderless Structure: There are no single figures to arrest or co-opt, making the movements resilient and organic.
· A Demand for Systemic Change: These are not protests for smaller reforms; they are demands for the complete overhaul of corrupt and outdated political systems.
· The Power of Narrative: They expertly control the narrative online, often outperforming state propaganda machines.
The South Asian Gen Z uprising is a testament to a new political awakening. This generation is globally aware, technologically empowered, and utterly fearless. They have seen their parents’ generation make compromises with power, and they want no part of it. Their message to the old guard is clear: Adapt or get left behind. Our future is not yours to negotiate.
The struggle is far from over, but one thing is certain: the political landscape of South Asia has been permanently altered. The kids are not just alright—they are in charge of the revolution.
U.H. Hyder Ali